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Detective Kay Hunter #10
A Darker Place
The frozen body of a man is discovered in a used car yard on the hottest day of the year, his face contorted by fear and pain.
Detective Kay Hunter and her team are assigned the case, but when they find out who their victim is, their worst fears are realised.
There is another man missing – but is he a victim, or a killer?
With time running out and witnesses afraid to talk, Kay is thrust into one of the most challenging investigations of her career to date.
A Darker Place is the tenth book in the Detective Kay Hunter series by USA Today bestselling author Rachel Amphlett, and perfect for readers who love fast-paced crime thrillers.
Detective Kay Hunter and her team are assigned the case, but when they find out who their victim is, their worst fears are realised.
There is another man missing – but is he a victim, or a killer?
With time running out and witnesses afraid to talk, Kay is thrust into one of the most challenging investigations of her career to date.
A Darker Place is the tenth book in the Detective Kay Hunter series by USA Today bestselling author Rachel Amphlett, and perfect for readers who love fast-paced crime thrillers.
248 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 12, 2021
77 people are currently reading
224 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Amphlett
206 books677 followersBefore turning to writing, USA Today bestselling crime author Rachel Amphlett played guitar in bands, worked as a TV and film extra, dabbled in radio, and worked in publishing as an editorial assistant.
She now wields a pen instead of a plectrum and writes crime fiction with over 30 crime novels and short stories featuring spies, detectives, vigilantes, and assassins.
A keen traveller and accidental private investigator, Rachel has both Australian and British citizenship.
You can find out more about Rachel and her books at www.rachelamphlett.com.
Praise for Rachel Amphlett
“Fast paced with vivid characterisation and clever twists, [None the Wiser] is another winner” Adrian McKinty
“[None the Wiser] is a terrific start to a new series” Jo Spain, With Our Blessing and The Confession
“Quirky, creepy and twisted tales” James Oswald, Sunday Times bestselling author
“Thrilling start to a new series. Scared to Death is a stylish, smart and gripping crime thriller” Robert Bryndza
"Scared to Death… moves along at breakneck speed with twists and turns" Angela Marsons
She now wields a pen instead of a plectrum and writes crime fiction with over 30 crime novels and short stories featuring spies, detectives, vigilantes, and assassins.
A keen traveller and accidental private investigator, Rachel has both Australian and British citizenship.
You can find out more about Rachel and her books at www.rachelamphlett.com.
Praise for Rachel Amphlett
“Fast paced with vivid characterisation and clever twists, [None the Wiser] is another winner” Adrian McKinty
“[None the Wiser] is a terrific start to a new series” Jo Spain, With Our Blessing and The Confession
“Quirky, creepy and twisted tales” James Oswald, Sunday Times bestselling author
“Thrilling start to a new series. Scared to Death is a stylish, smart and gripping crime thriller” Robert Bryndza
"Scared to Death… moves along at breakneck speed with twists and turns" Angela Marsons
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
March 13, 2022
Well it is not unusual for a mystery to commence with a dead body in a dumped car but this one is frozen solid which is a nice touch. This sets the scene for the whole book. The police work is good, the mystery is intriguing and the whole book is very well written.
I always enjoy the character of Kay Hunter and look forward to each book to see what her vet husband will bring home this time! The last book was a litter of foxes and on this occasion it is kittens. It is very realistic that Kay goes to work for several days with scratches on the backs of her hands. Kittens are cute but they do like to use their claws.
I can always guarantee myself a good read when I open a new book in this series. Long may it last!
I always enjoy the character of Kay Hunter and look forward to each book to see what her vet husband will bring home this time! The last book was a litter of foxes and on this occasion it is kittens. It is very realistic that Kay goes to work for several days with scratches on the backs of her hands. Kittens are cute but they do like to use their claws.
I can always guarantee myself a good read when I open a new book in this series. Long may it last!
May 18, 2022
When Detective Kay Hunter, along with her team of police arrived at the used car dealership, the sight of the man in the backseat of a car, frozen solid, horrified them. They vowed to do all they could to discover who had done the brutal killing. After discovering the man’s identity, the team were further advanced in the investigation, but it was going much slower than Kay wanted. But finding another frozen body had Kay scrambling, frustration growing through them all.
Another discovery at the victim’s home turned the direction of the investigation on its head – was everything they believed, wrong? Would they find the culprit/s before more deaths followed?
A Darker Place is the 10th in the Detective Kay Hunter series by Aussie/British author Rachel Amphlett and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was great to be back with Kay and husband Adam, who is a vet, and his projects he brings home. Kittens this time 😊 Kay is a character easily related to, and her camaraderie with her partner Ian Barnes, and the team, is good to watch. Highly recommended.
Another discovery at the victim’s home turned the direction of the investigation on its head – was everything they believed, wrong? Would they find the culprit/s before more deaths followed?
A Darker Place is the 10th in the Detective Kay Hunter series by Aussie/British author Rachel Amphlett and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was great to be back with Kay and husband Adam, who is a vet, and his projects he brings home. Kittens this time 😊 Kay is a character easily related to, and her camaraderie with her partner Ian Barnes, and the team, is good to watch. Highly recommended.
September 13, 2021
I do love a Kay Hunter book and I read this one in one sitting. You can always rely of Rachel Amphlett to give us a twisty and clever crime and o solve and this one certainly was chilling.
The murder victim is found in a used car, in the lot of a used car sales yard. And it is frozen. If that is not enough to have you intrigued then I don’t know what will. It is just the start of the investigation and as usual the case take many turns and there are plenty of suspects.
Since the last book there has been a shuffle of staff in the precinct so new partnerships and faces to learn. Not a bad thing to mix things up. Kay is definitely someone that I would want working on my side. She is tough, determined and caring.
Looking forward to book 11 already Rachel.
The murder victim is found in a used car, in the lot of a used car sales yard. And it is frozen. If that is not enough to have you intrigued then I don’t know what will. It is just the start of the investigation and as usual the case take many turns and there are plenty of suspects.
Since the last book there has been a shuffle of staff in the precinct so new partnerships and faces to learn. Not a bad thing to mix things up. Kay is definitely someone that I would want working on my side. She is tough, determined and caring.
Looking forward to book 11 already Rachel.
May 13, 2023
Finished reading: May 13th 2023
"The only way I can deal with it - always have, really - is to think that it's another step forward in finding justice for the poor bastard."
P.S. Find more of my reviews here.
July 11, 2022
Solid 4 stars! Story moves along and a good pace, some red herrings dropped here and there - overall a good read!
July 28, 2024
2 stars
Since this is the 10th instalment in this series, we know that detective Kay Hunter has some solid experience and has been doing this job for quite a while now. So i do not get the theatrics, the drama, the over emotional responses to things that are the usual by now. Also, this idea of panic "you need to come back to the station now!" No she doesn't, she can hear the very little information by phone wherever she is. The job of a detective is to think not to be glued to a desk.
The other thing that is no longer working for me in this series is the fact that it became one of those books where you can easily read the first and the last two chapters as nothing happens in between.
The criminal is usually discovered either by mistake or because someone makes a full confession otherwise the whole team was none the wiser.
Since this is the 10th instalment in this series, we know that detective Kay Hunter has some solid experience and has been doing this job for quite a while now. So i do not get the theatrics, the drama, the over emotional responses to things that are the usual by now. Also, this idea of panic "you need to come back to the station now!" No she doesn't, she can hear the very little information by phone wherever she is. The job of a detective is to think not to be glued to a desk.
The other thing that is no longer working for me in this series is the fact that it became one of those books where you can easily read the first and the last two chapters as nothing happens in between.
The criminal is usually discovered either by mistake or because someone makes a full confession otherwise the whole team was none the wiser.
October 18, 2021
Not as engaging as some of her previous books and a bit disjointed.
December 3, 2021
4.5 stars
Amphlett keeps improving from book to book. This was a tough case to solve. Tougher still waiting for the db to thaw out in the morgue. With little to go on, Kay and her team have a little evidence but a lot of suspects to weed through. I'll never look at food delivery companies the same way.
Amphlett keeps improving from book to book. This was a tough case to solve. Tougher still waiting for the db to thaw out in the morgue. With little to go on, Kay and her team have a little evidence but a lot of suspects to weed through. I'll never look at food delivery companies the same way.
July 14, 2021
Oh I do love reading a Kay Hunter thriller. Well, any book by Rachel Amphlett to be fair, and with this latest offering, A Darker Place, she did not disappoint. Full of mystery, the frustration of a particularly perplexing investigation, and with the usual blend of focus and banter that I've come to expect from this team of characters, I found myself lost in a story which kept me hooked from the off and seemed to pass by in a flash. These really are the kinds of books that once I start, I don't want to be disturbed because my intention is just to read, read, read. And I did.
Short stories aside, It's been a wee while since we've spent any decent time in Kay's company, but the beauty of these books is that once you start reading it really is like you've never been away. Yes, there is a slightly altered line up this time around as far as the team goes, and anyone who read the book's predecessor, Turn To Dust, will have known it was coming. But I liked DC Laura Hanway. Not the first time we've met as she also featured in the last book, but she's very much a fully fledged part of the team this time, proving to be a perfect partner for Gavin Piper. They're both impetuous to a degree, both super keen, but I have a feeling this is a pairing that will definitely be fun to watch. And that is one of the skills of this author. Giving you characters who feel like friends, ones you can root for, as well as making the less desirable suitably loathsome without becoming caricatures.
Speaking of characters you can root for, I don't think I could ask for a better pair than DI Kay Hunter and DS Ian Barnes. They've proven time and time again to be an entertaining, funny, but totally dedicated pair, and the friendship and banter between the two makes me love reading these books. Add in the odd cameo from some of Kay's partner Adam's fluffy (and sometimes scaly) clientele, I could honestly read about this team for years and be extremely content.
The story this time is a confusing one, the chilling murder of a delivery driver. The way his body is presented is definitely staged, the circumstance of his death highly unusual. The motive ... well that is one which is kept hidden from readers until late on in the book, as we make the discoveries of important clues side by side with the police. This is one that may have presented readers with a few suspects, and as we slowly uncover the truth you may think you know where the story is leading, but you might still be wrong. You'll be presented with almost a menu of choices as to who the guilty party might be, yet we don't find out right until the end as to whether the killer is going to get their just desserts.
I do love this series and I think this one has been one of my favourites. Yes - some of it gave me nervous tick flashbacks to previous careers (tachographs - bleurgh), but it was a story that seemed to pass by in a flash, the pacing spot on as usual. Setting is always key and I love the way in which Rachel Amphlett embraces the Kent landscape making it as important to the story as the murders and characters themselves. From high tension adrenalin kicks, to laid back smile inducing moments, this book, and the author, has hit the magic formula for me yet again. If you love a good Detective series you really need to catch up with Kay Hunter. It makes for brilliant reading.
Short stories aside, It's been a wee while since we've spent any decent time in Kay's company, but the beauty of these books is that once you start reading it really is like you've never been away. Yes, there is a slightly altered line up this time around as far as the team goes, and anyone who read the book's predecessor, Turn To Dust, will have known it was coming. But I liked DC Laura Hanway. Not the first time we've met as she also featured in the last book, but she's very much a fully fledged part of the team this time, proving to be a perfect partner for Gavin Piper. They're both impetuous to a degree, both super keen, but I have a feeling this is a pairing that will definitely be fun to watch. And that is one of the skills of this author. Giving you characters who feel like friends, ones you can root for, as well as making the less desirable suitably loathsome without becoming caricatures.
Speaking of characters you can root for, I don't think I could ask for a better pair than DI Kay Hunter and DS Ian Barnes. They've proven time and time again to be an entertaining, funny, but totally dedicated pair, and the friendship and banter between the two makes me love reading these books. Add in the odd cameo from some of Kay's partner Adam's fluffy (and sometimes scaly) clientele, I could honestly read about this team for years and be extremely content.
The story this time is a confusing one, the chilling murder of a delivery driver. The way his body is presented is definitely staged, the circumstance of his death highly unusual. The motive ... well that is one which is kept hidden from readers until late on in the book, as we make the discoveries of important clues side by side with the police. This is one that may have presented readers with a few suspects, and as we slowly uncover the truth you may think you know where the story is leading, but you might still be wrong. You'll be presented with almost a menu of choices as to who the guilty party might be, yet we don't find out right until the end as to whether the killer is going to get their just desserts.
I do love this series and I think this one has been one of my favourites. Yes - some of it gave me nervous tick flashbacks to previous careers (tachographs - bleurgh), but it was a story that seemed to pass by in a flash, the pacing spot on as usual. Setting is always key and I love the way in which Rachel Amphlett embraces the Kent landscape making it as important to the story as the murders and characters themselves. From high tension adrenalin kicks, to laid back smile inducing moments, this book, and the author, has hit the magic formula for me yet again. If you love a good Detective series you really need to catch up with Kay Hunter. It makes for brilliant reading.
August 7, 2022
I enjoyed returning to this series after a long break after reading book 9. The familiar cast is here, the delightful accents, the steaming cups of coffee. Kay is a bit more of an assured, tougher detective than she has been in prior books, and it's about time given what she's lived through.
While A DARKER PLACE has a unique premise - especially in the manners of death - it is also unique in this series for the things it doesn't have: Kay is never really in danger; her husband and the usual associated humor are nearly absent; the playfulness and camaraderie of the team tasked with solving the murders is minimal. The characterization is great with all the suspects, and readers will easily visualize them, but I miss the warmth and the relationships that's been such a big part of the other books. If you love a police procedural that's primarily about solving the case, this is the book for you.
The narration by Allison Campbell, as always, is wonderful, with steady delivery and voicing. I listened at 1.2x and that was about perfect.
I have already downloaded the next book in the series, A LETHAL DECEPTION, and look forward to listening and hopefully, getting more of what has always drawn me to Amphlett's books.
While A DARKER PLACE has a unique premise - especially in the manners of death - it is also unique in this series for the things it doesn't have: Kay is never really in danger; her husband and the usual associated humor are nearly absent; the playfulness and camaraderie of the team tasked with solving the murders is minimal. The characterization is great with all the suspects, and readers will easily visualize them, but I miss the warmth and the relationships that's been such a big part of the other books. If you love a police procedural that's primarily about solving the case, this is the book for you.
The narration by Allison Campbell, as always, is wonderful, with steady delivery and voicing. I listened at 1.2x and that was about perfect.
I have already downloaded the next book in the series, A LETHAL DECEPTION, and look forward to listening and hopefully, getting more of what has always drawn me to Amphlett's books.
December 8, 2021
A frozen body is found in the backseat of an old car parked in the lot of a used-car dealership—no identity, phone or other papers. Then a wife reports that her husband never came home and the dead man is identified as Carl, a delivery driver for fast-food services. After finding the refrigerator truck, they discover the body of a youth, the driver’s apprentice. In the meantime, the officer—sent to help the driver’s widow through the trauma of losing her husband—offers to discover what is clogging her sink drain and discovers a cache of drugs. Now, the questions: was Carl, the dead husband, a drug dealer? Why was his body left in the used-car lot? Why were the new owner’s of the restaurant previously owned by the used-car dealer threatened? These questions when answered lead Kay and her team to discover who had sadistically murdered Carl and his apprentice. A good read but not surprising in the revelation.
September 5, 2021
Drugs = Murder
The plot is intricate and very reflective of one of society's greatest deadly problems: Drugs. It is fascinating to read the unwinding of the plot. The only thing I missed in this most recent Kay Hunter novel was the lack of personal interaction with Kay and her officers and her husband. Ms. Amphlett usually has more detailing of the characters, most of whom are recurring characters. Still, it was a great read!
The plot is intricate and very reflective of one of society's greatest deadly problems: Drugs. It is fascinating to read the unwinding of the plot. The only thing I missed in this most recent Kay Hunter novel was the lack of personal interaction with Kay and her officers and her husband. Ms. Amphlett usually has more detailing of the characters, most of whom are recurring characters. Still, it was a great read!
February 6, 2022
This author is one of my favourites and this book in the series yet again did not disappoint. The pace is steady throughout and the manner of death is horrific.
As expected, once I started reading, I was hooked and I read it in just over a day. Looking forward to seeing what is next in store for Kay and her team.
As expected, once I started reading, I was hooked and I read it in just over a day. Looking forward to seeing what is next in store for Kay and her team.
June 4, 2023
This is yet another exciting mystery in the DI Kay Hunter series. At #10, one might expect staleness or desperation to creep in, but not so! The plot is plausible, as are the characters, with nothing too way-out trying to deliver thrills.
I'll certainly continue to read more of this series if I find them in the library.
Rating 4.1.
I'll certainly continue to read more of this series if I find them in the library.
Rating 4.1.
May 24, 2024
As always I find these books very readable and when you have read all the previous books, then you know the characters very well. A different type of murder, steer well clear of the freezer! Twists and turns and whiist you can have a reasonable idea of the main culprit, there are always twists and unexpected turn of events. Once again I enjoyed it.
July 23, 2021
This one was a letdown. The murder mystery was uneventful and boring. I struggled to care at all what was happening. There was no excitement or anything to contain and encourage my reading; however, I did finish the book.
August 17, 2021
This was a great continuation of the series with Kay Hunter. I enjoy the way the investigation proceeds thru leads and interviews, continuing to lead the reader astray so he/she cannot guess the outcome. Well done.
March 19, 2022
Always A Pleasure Never A Chore
As with all Rachel Amphlett's books, you just get lost in them. The characters, plot, setting and pace, a pleasure to read and as ever cannot wait to read the next book.
As with all Rachel Amphlett's books, you just get lost in them. The characters, plot, setting and pace, a pleasure to read and as ever cannot wait to read the next book.
April 12, 2022
A promising start with a frozen body left in a car in a used car lot, but I don't feel the pace was maintained and I found myself checking back in a couple of places to see if I'd missed bits as it didn't seem to have the usual flow (I hadn't missed anything!).
February 14, 2024
Amazing as always
Love kay Hunter stories, and her team . Been reading about kay since the very start and how she has solved all her crimes.....but I've never guessed the murderer cos your kept waiting till the end which is even better. 5* as always ....
Love kay Hunter stories, and her team . Been reading about kay since the very start and how she has solved all her crimes.....but I've never guessed the murderer cos your kept waiting till the end which is even better. 5* as always ....
July 13, 2021
Rachel Amphlett
Rachel Amphlett never disappoints! I got this on my iPad last night and read it today. Excellent, as always! I highly recommend!
Rachel Amphlett never disappoints! I got this on my iPad last night and read it today. Excellent, as always! I highly recommend!
July 13, 2021
Dnf. Boring
July 16, 2021
Audiobook performed by Alison Campbell
July 16, 2021
The book had an interesting plot but the ending was a bit weak and didn't feel like the characters were well developed.
July 20, 2021
3.5 Stars
A good read but not as riveting as the previous books in the series.
A good read but not as riveting as the previous books in the series.
July 21, 2021
Absolutely brilliant 🤩. Rachel Amphlett and Kay Hunter never disappoints. Kept you guessing until the end. Definitely looking forward to No 11. Thank you Rachel 😊
Read
July 21, 2021loved it
August 11, 2021
Not quite as riveting as others in the series
August 24, 2021
Entertaining mystery to listen to while walking.
August 26, 2021
Story?
Again well written by a good author but in this case the story did very little for me but that’s a personal choice.
Again well written by a good author but in this case the story did very little for me but that’s a personal choice.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews